The Grand

Built in 1906, the hotel's building once held the British Rail offices. It’s a beautiful example of Edwardian architecture, and many original features still remain, like ornate woodwork and crown molding. The hotel's lobby is breathtaking, with stunning stonework, a black-and-white tiled floor, and a huge crystal chandelier above the patterned wooden reception desk.Cavernous arched corridors and a grand staircase lead away from the lobby and into the hotel. It is the only five-pearl hotel in York, and as such, is geared towards high-end tourists and attracts many couples on romantic breaks or celebrating special occasions. Many guests are attracted by the excellent spa too, and a fair number of business travelers stay here as well. There’s a sophisticated feel throughout, including the handsome restaurant and luxe whiskey lounge with velvet, jewel-tone furniture and a plaid carpet -- it's a cozy place for a drink on a cold and rainy night (of which the U.K. has many).

The hotel is about as convenient as it gets for York accommodations -- it’s right in the city center and just a three-minute walk from York train station. York's ancient city walls are adjacent to the hotel, and the property is surrounded by boutique shops and historical points of interest -- the York War Memorial is just opposite the hotel. The Yorkshire Museum and the National Rail Museum are both an eight-minute walk from the hotel. The banks of the River Ouse are just a three-minute walk away, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the river, from chains like Pizza Express and Zizzi to quirky independent joints like the Perky Peacock. Leeds Bradford Airport is 55 minutes away by car.

All 107 guest rooms at The Grand Hotel employ a mix of modern and classic styling -- expect to see light neutral colors with a bright pop of pink or blue in the soft contemporary furnishings and eye-catching damask wallpaper in some rooms. Admittedly, not every room's style will be for everyone, as some are a bit frilly. Many have views of the city walls and the York Minster. Rooms come in Classic, Deluxe, Executive, and Suite categories -- all are very spacious. Each one has velvet drapes, oak panel headboards, and king beds with Egyptian cotton linens. All rooms also have free Wi-Fi, mineral water, air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, bathrobes, slippers, a fridge, and safe. Suites also have a separate living area and Nespresso coffeemakers. The marble-tile en-suite bathrooms are luxurious and huge as well, with heated, deep bath tubs and separate walk-in showers, plus high-end Molton Brown toiletries. 

The hotel has an excellent restaurant where modern British meals are served in an elegant dining room. Afternoon tea is also available and is popular with locals as well as those staying at the hotel. Drinks can be taken on the outdoor terrace in warmer weather, and light meals are served there too. A continental breakfast is available daily but costs extra. There's a cozy and stylish whisky lounge which has over 125 varieties of the spirit to choose from, including some rare blends and single malts. Rooms are available for private dining, meetings, and events as well. The hotel also has a spectacular spa which has an indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room, plus treatment rooms and a modern fitness center. There’s no parking on site, but there’s a public car park next to the hotel, and guests' cars can be valet parked from the front door. There’s a daily fee for this though. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.